Turns out people really don't like their strawberries messed with. The recent uproar about a new cancer-causing chemical in strawberry fields started here in California. It's since gone nationwide – and if you want to help keep strawberries cancer-free, there are plenty of ways to join in . Here's the story, in a nutshell: EPA approved the pesticide methyl iodide in 2007 as a substitute for the ozone-depleting pesticide methyl bromide. Methyl iodide causes cancer and is extremely toxic. One respected scientist called it “one of the most toxic chemicals on earth.” Like methyl bromide, the new...

Just before Thanksgiving, the chemical industry squashed a bi-partisan effort to ban the controversial chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) from baby bottles and children's drinking cups. Really guys? Protecting kid s from toxic chemicals should be a no-brainer, right? Especially when the science is so strong, the scientists themselves are calling for action. After the U.S. effort stalled, the European Union plowed ahead and voted to ban BPA in baby bottles - following the lead of Denmark, France, Australia and Canada. The American Chemistry Council should be downright ashamed of itself. They're the...

As a working mom, I've learned the value of setting priorities, and the importance of thinking about how today's decisions affect the future. That's why I'll be voting on Tuesday , and I'm pestering my family, friends & neighbors to do the same. The outcome of this year's national elections will determine whether and how we, as a country, prioritize issues I care a lot about - issues like safe food, children's health, protection of workers and support for family farms. We'll also learn whether corporate spending on politics (which has been off the charts ) can successfully hijack our...

The Mind, Disrupted project found toxins in the bodies of those with learning and developmental disabilities. Senators got an ear-full this week from advocates calling for laws to protect children from dangerous chemicals.